Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton could lose Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister
Roberto De Zerbi believes Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister “deserve to play in another level” but hopes European football can convince the in-demand duo to stick with Brighton. Ecuador international Caicedo and Argentina World Cup winner Mac Allister continue to be heavily linked with summer transfers following standout seasons in Sussex. Albion potentially strengthened their hopes of retaining two of their star performers by securing continental qualification with Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League win over relegated Southampton. While De Zerbi feels that may prove persuasive, he does not wish to hamper the careers of the pair and concedes Wednesday evening’s match with Manchester City could be their final appearances in a Seagulls shirt at the Amex Stadium. “It can be the last game but I don’t know,” said the Brighton head coach. “They can have the possibility to change (clubs) because they deserve to play in another level. “But now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. We can offer them one possibility more.” Asked if a European place can make the difference, De Zerbi replied: “It can be. They can have more motivation. But they are very good guys. “When I work, I think for myself, I think for my club but I think still for the players because the players have one career, one life and we can’t decide for them. “I don’t know what Tony (Bloom, Brighton owner) can decide but if they want to leave, for myself, it’s right they leave.” Albion will almost certainly finish sixth and be in the Europa League next term due to their goal difference being significantly better than Aston Villa’s but need one more point to banish any prospect of slipping into the Europa Conference League. De Zerbi insists his side will not play for a draw against champions City as they attempt to cement their spot in the superior competition. “The focus is to play seriously,” said the Italian, whose team conclude the campaign at Villa on Sunday. “We want to play in the Europa League and to play in the Europa League we have to make another point. “We can’t start the game to make one point. We have to think to win the game. “We have a big, big, big target – bigger than Conference League because we expect Conference League. “If we have the possibility to play in a more prestigious competition, we have to try it.” City boss Pep Guardiola compared De Zerbi to a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant ahead of the midweek clash on the south coast, while hailing him as one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years. De Zerbi reciprocates that respect and praised the Spaniard for aiding his transition to life in England. “I can’t forget that before I arrived here, I received his call and he helped me a lot in the first period,” De Zerbi said of Guardiola. “He was very nice with me. “I can’t explain Guardiola. My opinion is he is the best coach in the Premier League and the best coach in the last 30 years. It’s my opinion but I think a lot of people think like me.” Meanwhile, De Zerbi backed Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk for an international recall. England boss Gareth Southgate will on Wednesday name his squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. “He deserves to play in the national team,” De Zerbi said of defender Dunk, who won his only international cap in 2018. “It’s not my work to decide the players of the national team but for us it should be a target. I hope he can play in the national team.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ECB CEO sees bright future for The Hundred despite Sanjay Patel’s impending exit Pep Guardiola expecting City’s intensity to drop but warns of challenges to come ‘This is the right club’ – Bukayo Saka signs new long-term Arsenal contract
2023-05-23 22:53
Tottenham identify Arne Slot as leading candidate to become new manager
Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is being viewed as a leading candidate for the Tottenham Hotspur job, although the club are monitoring what happens with Julian Nagelsmann, as they seek to find clarity in a chaotic period. Spurs on Friday morning announced that Fabio Paritici - who would have led the managerial search - was standing down as Managing Director of Football after having his appeal to overturn a worldwide ban on football-related activities rejected. With the Italian federation and Fifa ban from his time at Juventus, Spurs had ample time to prepare and the situation has just fed into what has been a crisis time for the club. New Chief Football Officer Scott Munn will now take on a lot of Paratici’s responsibilities, including the managerial search, although many in the game believe it will all ultimately come down to Levy. Spurs have already found a number of other issues in the process, however, not least the fact they are looking for a manager at the same time as Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are currently in talks with Tottenham legend Mauricio Pochettino but it is understood a return to White Hart Lane was never seriously broached. The situation creates the possibility of a moving chairs situation as that could leave Nagelsmann free, who Spurs have long admired. The German has also been in talks with Chelsea and is being heavily pushed - with some thinking it could come down to a straight choice between Nagelsmann and Pochettino. While these are both managers out of work, however, Spurs have found that other prospective candidates are not willing to seriously think about their futures at such an intense point of the season. That has led to the club doing a lot of reconnaissance and talks through back channels, and Slot is known to have struck the club as a possible manager who best fits what they want. While Levy’s recent thinking has been for big names such as Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, the ultimate disappointment of both may see the club shift to a coach who was on an upward curve working with younger players as with Pochettino in 2014. Roberto De Zerbi has equally been considered but that is seen as a difficult deal to strike, and he has a huge support staff. Read More Fabio Paratici resigns from Tottenham role after losing appeal against ban Mauricio Pochettino impresses in further talks over Chelsea job Fantasy Premier League tips gameweek 32: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gabriel Jesus, Kurt Zouma and more Tottenham identify leading candidate to be next manager Tottenham lose at home to Brentford as fans turn on club’s board Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
2023-05-23 22:49
France details huge security for Paris' gargantuan 2024 Olympic opening ceremony
France’s government has for the first time publicly laid out some of the gritty details of its security planning for the unprecedented opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics
2023-05-23 21:52
Ukraine says Russia prevents Black Sea grain deal port operating
By Pavel Polityuk KYIV The Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi has halted operations because Russia is not allowing ships
2023-05-23 21:25
‘Powerless’ LaLiga requests greater authority to punish racism after Vinicius Jr abuse
LaLiga will request greater jurisdiction to punish clubs whose fans are guilty of racist abuse after feeling “powerless” at the lack of current sanctions in the wake of the latest Vinicius Jr incident. The Spanish league is engulfed in a racism scandal after Real Madrid forward Vinicius was allegedly subjected to racist chants during Sunday’s game at Valencia and later claimed it was an example of “continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain”. LaLiga, according to the country’s law, can currently only identify and report incidents, and punishment is rarely handed out. Now it wants legislation changing so that it has the power to impose punishment such as forcing games to be played behind closed doors or financial penalties. It said in a statement: “LaLiga will request more sanctioning powers, with the aim of being more agile and effective in the fight against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport, where LaLiga has been leading the identification and reporting of such behaviour in football stadiums for years, but feels powerless when observing how its reporting ends. “Despite its intense and continuous fight against violence and racism to the full extent of its powers (currently, according to Spanish legislation, limited to identifying and reporting the facts that occur), LaLiga feels tremendous frustration at the lack of sanctions and convictions by the sports disciplinary bodies, public administrations and jurisdictional bodies to which it reports. “Faced with this serious situation, in the coming days LaLiga will formally request the amendment of Law 19/2007 of July 11, against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport and Law 39/2022 of December 30, on sport. “The purpose of the proposal is to request that LaLiga may exercise disciplinary authority over incidents of this type which occur in matches of the professional competition, so that the disciplinary bodies of LaLiga may proceed to sanction them, among other things, with the total or partial closure of the sports venue, the prohibition of access to it in the case of members/fans and the imposition of financial penalties, without prejudice to the adoption of provisional or precautionary measures that may be appropriate, depending on the nature and seriousness of the incidents. “As we have been repeating in recent days, LaLiga has been leading the fight against violence, racism and intolerance on football pitches, both inside and outside the stadium, identifying such behaviour through its match directors, security officers and television cameras, and subsequently reporting it to the relevant bodies.” It comes on the day four people were arrested in Spain under suspicion of hanging an effigy of Vinicius off a bridge in January. An inflatable doll dressed in a Vinicius shirt was hung from the railings with a banner that read ‘Madrid hates Real Madrid’ ahead of Real’s Copa del Rey game with city rivals Atletico at the start of the year. And Spanish police confirmed on Tuesday that four suspects had been apprehended. They tweeted: “Arrested in #Madrid 4 people who allegedly hung a mannequin with the #Vinicius shirt on a bridge near the Ciudad Deportiva del @realmadrid.” The arrests follow the latest racism scandal that has engulfed Spanish football, with Vinicius targeted by racist chants during Sunday’s LaLiga game with Valencia. The Brazil international threatened to leave the pitch in the second half after being subjected to alleged monkey chants at the Mestalla. Real Madrid said the abuse constituted a “hate crime” and filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office. Valencia on Tuesday confirmed that police have identified three fans suspected of racial abuse, but denied their fanbase is racist. In a statement, the club said: “The match against Real Madrid was broadcast live and it is totally false that the entire stadium was shouting racist remarks. “There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation in the last few days. Valencia demand a responsible and serious approach to the matter. “This is a very sensitive issue and everyone must remain factual. We cannot accept the labelling of Valencia fans as racist. It is not true. We call for respect. “Racism has no place in football or in our society. Valencia strongly condemn racism.” Vinicius tweeted on Monday night: “Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise. And there were many this season. Death wishes, hanged doll, many criminal screams… All registered. “But the speech always falls on ‘isolated cases’, ‘a fan’. No, these are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television programme). “The evidence is there in the video. Now I ask: how many of these racists had names and photos exposed on websites? I answer to make it easier: zero. None to tell a sad story or make those fake public apologies. “What is missing to criminalise these people? And punish clubs sportingly? Why don’t sponsors charge LaLiga? Don’t televisions bother to broadcast this barbarity every weekend? “The problem is very serious and communications no longer work. Not blaming me to justify criminal acts either. You are not football, you are inhuman.” Read More Vinicius Jr news LIVE: Four arrested over racist effigy as La Liga request more powers to fight abuse Vinicius Jr needs protecting — or racism will drive him from LaLiga Commentator sparks outrage for criticising Vinicius Jr reaction after facing racist abuse
2023-05-23 20:54
Leeds, Leicester and Everton facing final-day scrap for Premier League survival
The fight for Premier League survival reaches its climax on Sunday with three clubs still scrapping for their top-flight lives. Two of Everton, Leicester and Leeds will join already-relegated Southampton in the Sky Bet Championship next season on what is set to be a dramatic final day of the campaign. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at what each club needs to happen if they are to avoid the drop. Everton Opposition: Bournemouth (h) Position: 17th Points: 33 Goal difference: -24 The equation is simple for the Toffees: win and their fears are over regardless of what happens elsewhere. Anything less could prove fatal. A draw would open the door for Leicester to leapfrog them on goal difference with a win, while Leeds could also overhaul them on goals scored with victory by three or more. However, Everton would be safe even in defeat if both the Foxes and Leeds failed to win. Leicester Opposition: West Ham (h) Position: 18th Points: 31 Goal difference: -18 Victory is the only option for Dean Smith’s men and even then, it might not prove enough. Leicester also need Everton not to win – defeat for the Toffees would keep them up by a point, while a draw at Goodison would edge City to safety on goal difference. Leeds Opposition: Tottenham (h) Position: 19th Points: 31 Goal difference: -27 Like the Foxes, Leeds must win and even then, they would have to keep their fingers crossed that both Everton and Leicester did not. In the event that Everton drew, they would need to make up three clear goals to leapfrog them. At the same time, Sam Allardyce’s men would have to achieve an improbable goal swing – they head into the weekend nine worse off – to edge past Leicester if they managed to beat West Ham. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jack Nowell rules himself out of England’s World Cup plans Dean Smith feels Leicester have put pressure on Everton ahead of final-day scrap Newcastle striker Callum Wilson set for England recall
2023-05-23 20:46
Tom Brady agrees to purchase minority stake in Las Vegas Raiders, per source
Tom Brady has agreed to purchase a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, a source familiar with the deal told CNN on Monday.
2023-05-23 19:49
MLB outfielder Will Brennan accidentally hits and kills bird with hard groundball
They say lightning does not strike twice but -- for the second time in under a week -- a bird has died after meeting the cruel fate of being hit by a flying baseball in an MLB game.
2023-05-23 19:48
Phil Neville furiously swears at reporter before awkwardly back tracking
Don’t mess with big Phil Neville, or you’ll get a very stern talking to. That’s what one reporter discovered to their cost during a recent Inter Miami press conference after getting told off by the former Manchester United player and coach. Neville was answering questions after a 3-1 defeat to Orlando Pride when he snapped at a journalist who spoke over him. “Can I finish speaking? Okay? I don’t interrupt your questions,” he said in the clip, which is doing the rounds on social media. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter “Okay, so don’t interrupt mine. Show some f***ing respect.” Neville stopped the chatter and tried to compose himself to answer his previous question. “So, sorry for the language," he said. Losing his train of thought, he continued: "The…in the…sorry what was the question, please? Ask me the question again, please?" If you ever find yourself in a press conference with Phil, make sure you don't talk over him. Neville took over as manager at David Beckham’s US franchise two years ago. This season, they’re currently sitting two points off bottom-side Toronto in the Eastern Conference. After playing for Manchester United and Everton during his playing career, Neville managed England Women from 2018 to 2021 before taking over as Inter Miami CF boss in 2021. Inter Miami, owned by Beckham, was set up in 2018 and began playing in the MLS in 2020, before falling down to the Eastern Conference. It was recently reported that Inter Miami are attempting to lure one the biggest name in the game to the US, with the club allegedly willing to offer Lionel Messi an equity stake in the club to convince him to join this summer. However, the player's preference is to stay in Europe until the 2024 Copa America in order to try and win the Champions League one last time. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-05-23 17:55
'I've got a lot to think about': LeBron James considering future after Los Angeles Lakers swept by Denver Nuggets
After 20 incredible years in the NBA, LeBron James has added to speculation that he could finally be hanging up his sneakers for good.
2023-05-23 17:51
Spanish police arrest four people after Vinicius effigy was hung from a bridge
Four people have been arrested in Spain under suspicion of hanging an effigy of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior off a bridge in January. An inflatable doll dressed in a Vinicius shirt was hung from the railings with a banner that read “Madrid hates Real Madrid” ahead of Real’s Copa Del Rey game with city rivals Atletico at the start of the year. And Spanish police confirmed on Tuesday that four suspects had been apprehended. They tweeted: “Arrested in #Madrid 4 people who allegedly hung a mannequin with the #Vinicius shirt on a bridge near the Ciudad Deportiva del @realmadrid.” The arrests follow the latest racism scandal that has engulfed Spanish football, with Vinicius targeted by racist chants during Sunday’s LaLiga game with Valencia. The Brazil international threatened to leave the pitch in the second half after being subjected to alleged monkey chants at the Mestalla. His club Real Madrid said the abuse constitutes a “hate crime” and filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office and Vinicius himself has highlighted what he describes as “continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain”. Valencia confirmed police had identified a fan who made racist gestures at Vinicius and that individual faces a lifetime stadium ban from the Mestalla. Vinicius tweeted on Monday night: “Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise. And there were many this season. Death wishes, hanged doll, many criminal screams… All registered. “But the speech always falls on ‘isolated cases’, ‘a fan’. No, these are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television programme). “The evidence is there in the video. Now I ask: how many of these racists had names and photos exposed on websites? I answer to make it easier: zero. None to tell a sad story or make those fake public apologies. “What is missing to criminalise these people? And punish clubs sportingly? Why don’t sponsors charge La Liga? Don’t televisions bother to broadcast this barbarity every weekend? “The problem is very serious and communications no longer work. Not blaming me to justify criminal acts either. You are not football, you are inhuman.” LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded to an earlier Vinicius post, in which the Brazil international said racism was “normal”, by accusing the forward of “criticising and insulting” the league. In another tweet on Monday, Tebas said: “Neither Spain nor @LaLiga are racist. It is very unfair to say this. “How @LaLiga we denounce and fight racism with all rigidity within our competences. This season there were 9 cases of racist insults (8 of them for insults against @vinijr) “We always identify the violators and take the complaint to the legislating bodies. It doesn’t matter that they are few, they are relentless. “We cannot allow the image of a competition that is about the symbol of peoples union to be tarnished, where more than 200 players are of black origin in 42 clubs that receive in each round the respect and affection of the fans, being the racism an extremely specific case (9 complaints) that we are going to eliminate.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England boosted before Ashes with Ollie Robinson given all-clear on ankle injury I don’t know – Lebron James casts doubt on NBA future after Lakers exit finals England boost as Ollie Robinson given all-clear after scan on left ankle
2023-05-23 17:27
Vinicius Jr news LIVE: Four arrested over hanging effigy of Real Madrid star
Four people have been arrested over the hanging effigy of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in Madrid as the fallout from Spanish football’s racism storm continues. The effigy was hanged by the neck on the morning of the Madrid derby between Real and Atletico in January, beneath a banner bearing the words “Madrid hates Real”. The arrests come in the aftermath of a heated match on Sunday in which Vinicius was racially abused by some Valencia supporters, an ugly incident that has become a regular occurrence for the Brazilian winger to endure this season. Vincius has said Spanish football “belongs to racists” and Real Madrid have lodged a ‘hate crime’ complaint. In Brazil, president Lula came out in support of the player and the lights were switched off on the Christ the Redeemer statue last night in solidarity. Follow all the latest news and developments below. Read More ‘Racism is normal in LaLiga’: Vinicius Junior sent off after facing racist abuse at Valencia Lights switched off on Christ the Redeemer statue in support of Vinicius Jr Commentator sparks outrage for criticising Vinicius Jr reaction after facing racist abuse
2023-05-23 17:16